During a special dedication ceremony today, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) established the Mitchell W. Davis Scholarship in honor of Mr. Davis's distinguished career in the Charlotte region's construction and land surveying sectors. Mr. Davis, an employee of Showalter Construction, Co., has dedicated his life's work to the geomatics field, mentoring aspiring surveyors and encouraging others to pursue the field he has forged a successful career in for the past 50-plus years.

A number of special guests and leading industry leaders gathered at CPCC's Harris Conference Center to celebrate the occasion with Mr. Davis's friends and family, they included: Pat Rodgers, president and CEO of Rodgers; Carl Showalter, president of Showalter Construction Co.; Smoky Bissell, founder of Bissell Companies; and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of CPCC.

"There is no other person who is as deserving of this recognition as Mitchell," said Mr. Showalter. "He has given back to our industry in so many ways, that this is the least we could do. His contributions as a leader, master problem solver and mentor are unparalleled, and his character as a professional should be emulated by all."

The Mitchell W. Davis Scholarship will provide a full-cost scholarship, covering the full costs of tuition, books, materials and fees, annually to two CPCC students pursuing an associate degree in Geomatics Technology.

"This permanently endowed scholarship will remain a significant source of financial support for students preparing for Geomatics Technology-related careers," added Ms. Rodgers.
The scholarship was created by Mr. Davis's colleagues and friends to honor him as a beloved leader and professional in the geomatics field. It includes a lead gift from Mr. Showalter, as well as supporting gifts from the Bissell Family Foundation; Johnny Harris, CEO of Lincoln Harris; and R.B. Pharr & Associates. "The college is grateful for the generosity of everyone who came together to make this scholarship possible," said Dr. Deitemeyer. "The college is proud to have Mitchell's name associated with our Geomatics Technology program in such a prominent manner."